In an exclusive interview with The Daily Guardian, Mr. Rishi Chona, Founder & CEO of Cream Centre, opens up about how the iconic vegetarian restaurant brand has stayed relevant for 65 years. From guarding the legacy of its Original Channa Bhatura™ to embracing global flavors and health-conscious innovations, Mr. Chona discusses the delicate balance of tradition and reinvention, and how Cream Centre is more than just a restaurant—it’s a lifestyle.
Q: Cream Centre has been a vegetarian dining icon for 65 years. What do you think has kept it relevant across generations?
A: It’s a combination of consistency and reinvention. While we’ve stayed true to our core—delicious, wholesome vegetarian food—we’ve also evolved with the times. Each generation has its own dining preferences, and we’ve always listened. Whether refining our classics or introducing global flavors, we ensure our food appeals to every age group while retaining the emotional connection people have with Cream Centre. Recently, we introduced a healthy brown rice protein bowl containing 42g of protein without compromising on taste, along with a gluten-free bajra roti, showcasing our commitment to evolving with modern trends.
Q: The Original Channa Bhatura™ remains your bestseller. What’s the secret behind its enduring popularity?
A: The secret lies in its simplicity, quality, and nostalgia. We’ve kept the recipe unchanged for decades, using a blend of 22 spices and importing the finest channa from South America. The slow-cooked techniques bring out deep, authentic flavors. For many, it’s their first memory of Cream Centre—and that emotional connection keeps them coming back for more. The recipe remains a closely guarded family secret passed down for over three generations.
Q: How does Cream Centre strike a balance between traditional favorites and inventive innovations like the World’s Best Nachos™ and Italian Baked Parmesan Sizzler?
A: We honor tradition while embracing creativity. Our menu is carefully curated to ensure there’s something comforting and something exciting. While dishes like the Original Channa Bhatura™ celebrate our heritage, offerings like the World’s Best Nachos™ and a variety of sizzlers are a nod to the modern, global palate of today’s diners. It’s this thoughtful fusion that sets us apart.
Q: Your new menu is described as “change without the change”. Can you elaborate on this philosophy?
A: “Change without the change” means we’re refreshing how we serve our classics without altering their soul. It’s about improving experiences—not replacing them. From ingredient upgrades to plating and portioning, the new menu is a refined version of what our guests already love. It’s evolution, not disruption. We have also launched a new range of rice bowls including Rajma Chawal Bowl, Chinese Black Bean Bowl, and Mexican Burrito Bowl, staying true to our core of serving wholesome and comforting food with modern plating and presentation.
In what ways has Cream Centre crafted a lifestyle around vegetarian dining beyond just being a restaurant?
Cream Centre is more than a place to eat—it’s where families celebrate, friends reconnect, and memories are made. We’ve positioned vegetarian dining as a joyful, indulgent experience rather than a compromise. Our focus on ambiance, innovation, and community engagement has helped build a brand lifestyle around flavorful and inclusive eating.
Q: How do you maintain an international chic yet family-friendly ambiance across all your locations?
A: It’s all about balance. Our interiors are designed to be elegant and modern—with touches of warmth that appeal to all age groups. We pay attention to layout, lighting, and music so the space feels sophisticated without being intimidating. The aim is to create an environment where a family dinner, a business lunch, or a casual date can all feel equally at home.
